How to grow cherry blossom

Spring is, without a doubt, the most anticipated season of the year. A moment in which the sun visits us again, and the days begin to lengthen. But not only that: it is also the time when flowers brighten our lives again. And, as a foretaste of it, nothing like enjoying the life show of the cherry blossom. A tree of Japanese origin that fills its branches with a spectacle of color between the end of March and the beginning of April. An authentic appetizer of what is to come throughout the following months.

Very common in urban landscaping, the flowering cherry tree is a magnificent choice for almost any space. Not only because of its characteristic bearing, in which its wide glass stands out. In addition to its incredible beauty even without flowers, we are talking about an extremely resistant tree. One that will require little care and that, in anticipation of spring, will fill any space with color. Of course: unlike that family of fruit trees with which it shares a name, the flowering cherry tree does not have fruits. All his energy is concentrated in his flowering. And it couldn’t be more beautiful!

Perhaps for all these reasons, the cherry blossom is one of the trees that has conquered the world. And not only that: it breaks the standard of that saying that affirms that “no one is a prophet in his land”. Because it does not only populate Japan, both planted by man and in the wild. It is also one of the most popular trees in the United States and Europe.

Let’s see how to take care of it to finish falling in love with this wonderful ornamental tree.

DRAINAGE AND SUN, THE TWO KEY CARE FOR CHERRY FLOWER TREE

The few maintenance needs of the cherry blossom make it the perfect tree for different scenarios. Whether we want to plant it creating a natural closure or if we grow it alone, its spectacular size will delight our eyes. But, if we want to play even more with its beauty, there is nothing like opting for a row planting. Or, what is the same, placed in rows to escort a path or act as a natural escort of an entrance. Even once it has lost its flowers, the cherry tree will create a unique space if we choose to arrange it this way.

But let’s not go too fast because, before seeing how to plant it, you have to know what it needs. And it is surprising to know that the cherry blossom gives so much considering how little it demands. That yes: we cannot disregard its few demands. They are the thin red line between our tree prospering or diseased.

1. The location, essential to enjoy the cherry blossom

We already anticipated that it is not very demanding in general, and it is no less so with the type of soil or its nutrients. You can live in a neutral or alkaline one without any problem. But, despite being highly adaptable, we cannot lose sight of a couple of aspects. On the one hand, in order to grow it needs to be planted in light soil that even has a sandy point.

And we come to one of its great demands: good drainage. Something vital for our cherry blossom to grow properly. In case of not having it, not only will we not see it prosper. It can even get sick from fungus due to excess water in its roots. So there is no better way to avoid it than taking our time to decide where to plant it.

In addition, another aspect must be considered. A flowering cherry tree usually reaches a height of between five and six meters. Something to keep in mind at the time of planting, to prevent it from colliding with any element in our garden.

2. Sun and more sun!

Intimately linked to where we plant it, we will have to contemplate this aspect. The cherry tree in flower demands a very high daily dose of light. Something fundamental if we want to see it flourish without stopping, and fill its wide canopy with its characteristic colors. Therefore, in addition to checking that the soil is what it needs, we will have to plant it in a place that receives the greatest number of hours of sunlight per day. And don’t be afraid! If it receives direct sun, it will not be a problem.

Despite this need, the cherry tree bears low temperatures and will not force us to know how to recover a plant after a frost. The only consequence of these in the cherry blossom is that, in the case of late spring frosts, it blooms less intensely if its buds freeze. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t.

3. Low water requirement

Like other congeners of the same family, the Prunus, it does not have a high demand for water. In fact, it withstands drought better than excess water.

4. Forget about pruning the cherry blossom tree!

One of the classic mistakes in cherry blossom cultivation is pruning it. So scissors still! Not only can we reduce its flowering, but we can also compromise the health of the plant. If we decide to cut thick branches, we will be trying to get fungi into the plant. That is why not only must we avoid it, but if we do it because there is no other choice, we must be careful to use a healing paste.

The only branches that we must prune in the cherry tree in bloom are those that hinder, that are twisted or have become ill.

5. Keep a close eye on pests in summer

And we come to one of the cherry blossom care that is most demanded of us. Because, before asking ourselves how to eliminate pests from the garden, the ideal is that we observe our plants a lot and continuously. The best prophylaxis that exists to, in case of detecting a plague, stop it from the beginning. In the case of cherry blossoms, we will have to closely control the aphid. An annoying insect for which this tree is a treat. So nothing like conveniently checking our tree as soon as the temperatures start to rise.

We are sure that you have fallen in love with the cherry blossom as much as we have. Are you already looking for a place for him in your house? Don’t think twice!

You will enjoy a wonderful tree that fills with color even before spring arrives.